Kayin
Kayin State provides the variety of a mountainous terrain amidst the beaches and seas of Southern Myanmar. The state is encircled by karst limestone peaks that soar above the lush green paddy fields. Interspersed with incredible caves, Kayin offers a stunning view of the western mountainous area of Myanmar. Hpa-An is the capital city of Kayin state. The city itself is beautiful, surrounded with limestone peaks on all sides. A typical Kayin landscape is characterized by lush green farms which make way to lush green mountains. Kayin is famous for its tea and coffee production. Tourists have a lot to explore in Kayin State including Mt. Zwekabin, Lumbini Garden, Thandaung, Sadan Cave and other things. From lively festivals to cultural dance shows, tourists will be pampered by the range of things Kayin has to offer.
ORIGIN
Kayin has people from Karen, Padaung, Bamar, Shan, Pa-O, Mon, Rakhine and Burmese-Thai lineages. Most people speak Kayin, Bamar and Mon languages and follow Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and animism.
GEOGRAPHY
With a total area of 12,296.6 sq km/ 4,747.7 sq. miles, Kayin is bordered by Thailand, Mon State, Bago Region, Mandalay Region, Shan State and Kayah State and has a hot and humid climate.
INTERESTING FACTS
Hpa-An is the capital of Kayin State. The state is characterised by mysterious caves, lush green farms and limestone hills. Currently, around 1.57 million (2014) live in Kayin State.
Kayin is home to some of the most thrilling caves of Myanmar. The two most famous caves are Bayint Nyi cave and Kawgun Cave. Located around 19 km from Hpa An, Bayin Nyi Cave is 900 years old and has around 28 images of Buddha. Kawgun Cave is located around 13 km south of Hpa An on the western side of the Thanlwin river. It is a natural limestone cave which is decorated with various kinds of Buddha images and tablets which date back to the 7th century. Yathae Pyan Cave is another natural limestone cave located near the Hpa Kut village which is also stunning. It contains Buddha images of different sizes, some of which date back to 13th century AD. A cave located about 1 km from Hpa An is Kawkathaung which contains 28 images of Buddha in a row. Every year, a pagoda festival is held in this cave on the 2nd and 3rd days of the Myanmar New Year Festival Thingyan.
With a combination of hills, farmlands, rivers and forests, Kayin State presents stunning scenic views to a visitor. The state is characterised with scenic spots where visitors can spend some quality time exploring nature. Mt. Zwegabin rising up to 722 metres above sea level is an excellent place to enjoy a nature hike. Lumbini Garden on the western side of Mt, Zwegabin is the most popular place to start the ascent. It is home to 1100 Buddha statues. The view from the top of the hill is stunning. Another place to visit and enjoy the closeness to nature is Kyone Htaw waterfall near the town of Hlaing Bwe. It is encircled with pristine forest and has fascinated thousands of tourists over the years. The best part of this waterfall is the green coloured water which leaves tourists awestruck.
